President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) reflects his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He assured Nigerians that similar infrastructure development would be replicated across cities, satellite towns, and rural communities nationwide.
Tinubu made the statement while commissioning Collector Road C01 and a bridge linking the Body of Benchers, Nile University, and Baze University in Abuja’s Institution and Research District, describing the project as yet another fulfilled promise of his administration.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the completion of the road underscores his government’s commitment to translating campaign promises into tangible projects that improve the lives of citizens.
“When we came into office, we made a solemn pledge to the Nigerian people. We promised not to allow governance to become a series of abandoned dreams and half-hearted efforts. We promised Renewed Hope.
“Today, as we stand on this newly constructed Collector Road C01, complete with its bridge, we are not just looking at a physical road—we are witnessing a promise kept,” he said.
Tinubu disclosed that the extension of the corridor towards Ring Road III (RR III) and other parts of Abuja has already been flagged off, noting that it will connect the Institution and Research District to the broader city road network.
According to him, the expanded network will ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and strengthen connectivity between educational institutions, residential communities, and commercial centres.
“One road becomes a system. That is how connectivity scales,” he added.
The President noted that although the Institution and Research District was conceived under the Abuja Master Plan as the nation’s intellectual hub, years of inadequate infrastructure had limited access to major institutions, including the Body of Benchers, Nile University, and Baze University.
Recalling appeals made by the Body of Benchers during last year’s Nigerian Law School Call to Bar ceremony over traffic congestion and poor access roads, Tinubu said his administration acted swiftly.
“When the Body of Benchers raised concerns during the Nigerian Law School Call to Bar ceremony last year, we listened.
“I told my Minister—the ‘Mr Project’ of our time, Nyesom Wike—‘We cannot have the legal luminaries of our nation navigating potholes to train future advocates. We cannot have students arriving late to lectures because of the absence of a simple bridge.’
“We did not just discuss it. We approved it under emergency procurement, and today, just months later, the project has been delivered,” he said.
The President noted that the project has restored ease of movement, enhanced safety, and created a more conducive environment for teaching, learning, and professional development.
He added that the construction generated hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for young Nigerians, emphasizing that infrastructure remains the backbone of economic growth.
“Infrastructure is the greatest enabler of economic prosperity. When you build roads, you open up districts. When you open up districts, you attract investment. And when investment flows, Nigeria grows,” he said.
Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his dedication to delivering critical infrastructure across the FCT.
“You have proven once again that when given a responsibility, you do not rest until it is accomplished. This ongoing wave of project commissioning across the FCT is clear evidence that this administration is firmly in action mode,” he said.
The President urged the management, staff, and students of Nile University and Baze University, as well as the Body of Benchers and residents of the district, to protect and maintain the newly completed infrastructure.
“This road belongs to you. Protect it. Cherish it. Let it serve as a daily reminder that your government believes in your future and is committed to building the infrastructure that will carry your dreams forward,” he added.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to nationwide infrastructure development, Tinubu said, “This administration will not relent. We will continue to invest in our cities, satellite towns, and rural communities because every Nigerian deserves the dividends of good governance.
“The transformation of Abuja is a microcosm of the broader transformation we are delivering across the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, expressed appreciation to the President for providing the support and resources that have enabled the FCT Administration to execute numerous infrastructure projects.
He attributed the rapid pace of project delivery to Tinubu’s decision to remove the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), noting that the policy has improved access to funds for capital projects.
“We thank you for your support and for making resources available by removing us from the TSA. That is why we are able to commission so many projects today,” Wike said.
The minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to balanced infrastructure development across the FCT, stressing that no district would be left behind.
“Every district will receive the attention of this administration. We have visited several districts, both within the city and in satellite towns, and today we are here to commission this important project,” he added.